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How TRANSFORM is Making a Difference: A Decade of Impact in Southern Africa

Update Celebrating a Decade of Transformative Impact in Southern Africa The TRANSFORM initiative, a groundbreaking partnership between Unilever, the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and EY, has reached a significant milestone. As of January 22, 2026, this initiative celebrates ten years of impactful collaboration focused on bolstering social enterprises across Southern Africa. Over this period, TRANSFORM has successfully supported ten visionary enterprises, directly impacting over one million lives and fostering economic growth within local communities. Innovative Solutions by Local Entrepreneurs With each enterprise transforming lives in unique ways, TRANSFORM has facilitated the creation of impactful projects addressing some of the region's most pressing issues. For instance, GrooveTech has pioneered the construction of climate-resilient roads utilizing recycled plastic waste. This project not only creates jobs for informal waste workers but also establishes sustainable community practices through the establishment of buyback centers. Similarly, Loowatt’s endeavors have introduced waterless toilets into underserved communities, demonstrating how innovative technologies can meet basic needs while promoting environmental sustainability. Public-Private Partnership Model: A Blueprint for Success This initiative serves as an exemplar of the public-private partnership model, which merges the resources, skills, and networks of organizations to yield sustainable business solutions that address global challenges. For instance, the collaboration with EY has equated to practical business knowledge shared with over 750 employees committing their expertise to foster enterprise growth. Environmental and Economic Impact: A Dual Benefit Beyond direct social contributions, the environmental impacts are equally noteworthy. Since 2022 alone, TRANSFORM’s enterprises have diverted over 5,329 tonnes of waste from landfills, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in business operations. These initiatives underline the dual benefits of promoting economic well-being while simultaneously committing to environmental stewardship, an essential dynamic in contemporary development discourse. Future Aspirations: Scaling the Impact With a proven track record of aiding over 140 impact enterprises globally and reaching more than 19 million lives, the TRANSFORM initiative shows no signs of slowing down. Its ambition extends towards increasing support and resources, which aims to elevate the number of impactful social enterprises to ensure that more communities can participate in and benefit from sustainable development strategies. Engaging Local Communities for Lasting Change Community involvement is vital to the continued success of TRANSFORM. By prioritizing local voices and empowering entrepreneurs who understand their communities’ specific needs, TRANSFORM is ensuring that the solutions offered are not only innovative but also tailored and effective. The role of local decision-making power has grown stronger in the past couple of years, encouraging a collaborative atmosphere that fuels innovation and ownership within projects. A Call to Action for Broader Participation As the initiative looks towards the future, it invites other organizations and entrepreneurs to join in this transformative journey. The potential for new partnerships can enhance development efforts significantly, expanding both reach and impact in various sectors. By uniting diverse expertise, we can collectively work towards sustainable solutions that resonate with local needs and aspirations. It’s critical for professionals in both the public and private sectors to engage with initiatives like TRANSFORM. By recognizing the importance of collaborative approaches in tackling global development challenges, we can initiate more inclusive and effective strategies that contribute to a truly sustainable future.